Sesame Chicken Tenders

Sesame Chicken Tenders

Cooking doesn’t get much better than this! Sesame Chicken Tenders are a delightful and flavorful dish that merges the tender juiciness of chicken with the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re in for a treat! Picture this: golden-brown chicken strips, perfectly baked or fried, enveloped in a crispy sesame coating that leaves everyone wanting more. Fun fact: sesame seeds have been loved for thousands of years, adding a delightful crunch and wholesome goodness to countless dishes! This recipe is not only simple to make, but it’s also quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner, making it a perfect choice for families. If you’ve loved other easy recipes on our blog like the Teriyaki Chicken Bowls, you’ll definitely want to add these chicken tenders to your meal rotation. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as enjoyable to munch on as it is to prepare!

What is Sesame Chicken Tenders?

So, what’s in a name? Sesame Chicken Tenders hint at pure deliciousness, don’t you think? You might wonder why they’re called that. Are they a little bit fancy? Well, “tenders” refers to the irresistible chicken strips that are so tender they practically melt in your mouth, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds transforms them into a flavor-packed party! Plus, who could resist the age-old adage, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? These tenders are bound to win over anyone who takes a bite. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance! So why not try making these flavorful bites at home? You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Tenders

There are so many reasons to love Sesame Chicken Tenders! First off, the main highlight of this dish is that standout sesame coating. When you take a bite, you’re met with a crunch, followed by the tender juiciness of chicken, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavor. Secondly, making this dish at home means you’re saving money compared to dining out! What’s better than enjoying your favorite dish without breaking the bank? Finally, you can customize these tenders with a variety of dips or toppings, like sweet chili sauce or tangy dipping sauces. If you loved our Chicken Parmesan Bites, these tenders are going to be a new favorite with their incredible crunch and kid-friendly appeal. Grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

How to Make Sesame Chicken Tenders

Quick Overview

Making Sesame Chicken Tenders is super easy and delicious! This fantastic dish can be prepped and cooked in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With minimal ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a delightful flavor profile, you’ll wonder how something this good can come together so effortlessly.

Key Ingredients for Sesame Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Green onions, sesame oil, or dipping sauces for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the tenders.
2. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips, ensuring they’re about the same size for even cooking.
3. Mix the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, and honey.
4. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture first, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.
5. Bake or fry:
   • For baking: Place the coated chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
   • For frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tenders until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
6. Serve: Allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

What to Serve Sesame Chicken Tenders With

Completing your meal with Sesame Chicken Tenders is a breeze! Consider pairing them with a fresh salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or crispy steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrients. Fragrant jasmine rice or a side of fried rice also complements the flavors beautifully. You can even serve them up as part of a family-style spread that includes some Asian-inspired dishes like vegetable stir-fry or sushi rolls. Don’t forget a light beverage like iced tea or coconut water to round off your culinary experience!

Top Tips for Perfecting Sesame Chicken Tenders

Enhancing your Sesame Chicken Tenders is simple with these handy tips! If you want extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Don’t be shy with the sesame seeds; they add incredible texture and flavor! You can also experiment with adding spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick, like chili powder or cayenne. Remember to watch the chicken closely while baking or frying to prevent overcooking. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfect results every time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with these tasty tenders!), you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, consider reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to freeze them to enjoy later, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They should keep well for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these delicious Sesame Chicken Tenders! With their satisfying crunch and juicy interior, they are sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!

Sesame Chicken Tenders

Delicious and flavorful sesame chicken tenders with a crunchy coating, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Fusion

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Tenders

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• to taste salt and pepper
• Optional: Green onions, sesame oil, or dipping sauces for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the tenders.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into strips, ensuring they're about the same size for even cooking.

Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, and honey.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture first, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.

Cooking

1. For baking: Place the coated chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
2. For frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tenders until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Serving

1. Allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Consider pairing the chicken tenders with a fresh salad, jasmine rice, or Asian-inspired dishes. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and watch the chicken closely to avoid overcooking.